As Angelinos consider where to take their weekend vacations and holidays, they might think south of the Los Angeles area. The greater San Diego area is a refreshing change of pace over the coastal areas of Los Angeles and the Westside. The weather is also more temperate and beaches more diversified.
La Jolla is a hilly seaside resort community, occupying 7 miles of curving coastline along the Pacific Ocean in Southern California within the northern city limits of San Diego. The concentration of universities in town, give it a young, vibrant energy in contrast with the more established, affluent crowd and families.
The most compelling geographical highlight of La Jolla is its oceanfront, with alternating rugged and sandy coastline and wild seal congregations. Popular sandy beaches, dot the coastline from the south to the north. La Jolla Shores is an attractive beach for kayaking and surfing. Consider staying at the casual, yet full-service La Jolla Shores Hotel, or the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. There are very few hotels on the beach, but these are among the two. While the La Valencia is classic, it is not exactly on the beach.
It is an incredible beach to walk on and go’s for miles down to Torrey Pines State Park, where you can explore 8 miles of trails within the park. A small museum sits at the top, as was well as the Torrey Pines Lodge - another great hotel to stay at - and the infamous Torrey Pines Golf Course, with two incredible 18-hole courses, if you can manage a tee time.
The 26th Annual La Jolla Festival of Arts & Food Fair is on June 23 and 24, featuring 200 local and national artists, along with live chalk art creations, art performances, delicious and healthy cuisines, adult beverage libations, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Festival is produced by the Torrey Pines Kiwanis, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support adaptive sports and recreation programs for San Diegans with disabilities.
California is home to Mitt Romney too. In fact, at one point he decided to buy some art in La Jolla, which is how he discovered the charms of the town. He owns a beautiful Spanish style beach home in La Jolla and can often be seen around. There has been quite a bit of controversy over the redo of his beach house. Typically, La Jolla is not celebrity laden and is generally relaxed and quiet. The restaurants are all good, with one in particular just opened this weekend called Herringbone.
Herringbone blends the food and nightlife scene, much like it’s sister restaurants, Searsucker in downtown San Diego and Burlap, in neighboring Del Mar. Herringbone is located in the “Village” in the long-abandoned, red-tiled space at 7837 Herschel Street, between Wall and Silverado streets. It is beautiful and the scene is pulsating. No surprise, given it is owned by Top Chef extraordinaire Brian Malarkey and business partner James Brennan. The cocktails are categorized by flavor – Wood, Floral, Oriental, Oceanic and Musk. The food, led by LA native Chef Amanda Baumgarten is “Surf & Turf” with an open kitchen. “Ocean Bazaar” at it’s finest.
Taking a reverse course is Eddie V’s, which recently opened in the spot formerly occupied by The Chart House and the historic Dragon Colony after erecting locales in Texas, Arizona and Orange County. The view is incredible, the best in La Jolla. The food is refined, elegant, yet in a casual atmosphere with extremely knowledgeable staff. We Olive is a cute wine bar in town and place to pick up goodies for a picnic.
July 4th you might consider heading further down to San Diego’s Coronado Island. The fireworks are over Glorietta Bay. There is also a parade, 15K run – 5K walk, rough water swim and entertainment. The biking on the island is incredible; so take a few days to check out the scenery. Downtown also has a bustling nightlife. There is no other place to stay than the Del Coronado. Free yoga on the beach every day, cannot be beat. Here are 10 “highbrow books” to read on the beach for your summer enjoyment.
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